- Four movies I could watch over and over.
It’s impossible to mention only four! I recommend strongly these ten:
A PASSAGE TO INDIA
A Passage to India (1984)
Directed by David Lean, based on the novel of the same name by E. M. Forster, published 1924.
Cast: Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, Peggy Ashcroft, James Fox, Alec Guinness.
I love this film and it's my preferred ! I found a beautiful and complete site about "A Passage to India", with many photos, plot, script, locations, links, etc.
The music in this film is composed by Maurice Jarre and it is very beautiful. If you want to hear the music, go to http://www.epdlp.com/films.php?film=p% and click on "Passage a la India". This is a great site and it's worthy a visit.
The film is set in colonial India in 1924. Adela Quested (Judy Davis), a sheltered, well-educated British woman, arrives in the town of Chandrapore, where she hopes to experience "the real India". Here she meets and befriends Dr. Aziz (Victor Banerjee), who, despite longstanding racial and social taboos, moves with relative ease and freedom amongst highborn British circles.
THE STRAIGHT STORY
The Straight Story (1999)
Directed by David Lynch
Cast: Richard Farnsworth and Sissy Spacek
The Straight Story is based on a real event in the life of a real person. Alvin Straight (1921-1996) lived quietly until he went on an unusual journey that put him in the spotlight. The Laurens resident took a 240-mile road trip -on a lawn mower. At 73, Straight wanted to see his brother, Henry, whom he hadn't spoken to for almost a decade.
I love so much this film and there is beautiful quotes about family and old age:
Alvin: I'd give each one of 'em a stick and, one for each one of 'em, then I'd say, 'You break that.' Course they could real easy. Then I'd say, 'Tie them sticks in a bundle and try to break that.' Course they couldn't. Then I'd say, "That bundle... that's family."
Alvin Straight: You don't think about getting old when you're young... you shouldn't.
Cyclist #1: Must be something good about gettin' old?
Alvin Straight: Well I can't imagine anything good about being blind and lame at the same time but, still at my age I've seen about all that life has to dish out. I know to separate the wheat from the chaff, and let the small stuff fall away.
Cyclist #2: So, uh, what's the worst part about being old, Alvin?
Alvin Straight: Well, the worst part of being old is rememberin' when you was young.
To hear original soundtrack (sample) go to:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3856932
THE ADVENTURE OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Directed by Stephan Elliott
Cast: Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce.
To hear original soundtrack (sample) go to:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3821601
THE SHELTERING SKY
The Sheltering Sky (1990)
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci
Paul Bowles, author
Cast: Debra Winger, John Malkovich, Campbell Scott.
The music is marvelous and it's composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Go to: http://www.epdlp.com/films.php?film=c% and click on "Cielo Protector, El".
A hint: to hear a sample of the CD "A Day in New York", Brazilian Music, with Ryuichi Sakamoto, go to:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3906451
MOONSTRUCK
Moonstruck (1987)
Directed by Norman Jewison
Cast: Cher , Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, Olympia Dukakis ,
Danny Aiello.
To hear original soundtrack (sample) go to:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3813738
THE WHALES OF AUGUST
The Whales of August (1987)
Directed by Lindsay Anderson
Cast: Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, Vincent Price, Ann Sothern.
STANNO TUTTI BENE
Stanno tutti bene (1990) (Everybody's Fine)
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore
Cast: Marcello Mastroianni, Michèle Morgan, Valeria Cavalli.
CARO DIARIO
Caro Diario , 1994
Directed by Nanni Moretti
Cast: Nanni Moretti
To hear original soundtrack (sample) go to:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3861590
ONCE AROUND
Once Around (1991)
Directed by Lasse Hallström
Cast: Richard Dreyfuss , Holly Hunter, Danny Aiello, Gena Rowlands
WITNESS
Witness (1985)
Directed by Peter Weir
Cast: Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Josef Sommer, Lukas Haas.
To hear the music by Maurice Jarre, go to:
http://www.epdlp.com/compbso.php?id=573 and click on "Unico Testigo"
(Continuation next post)
Thanks for all those. I love the book Sheltering Sky. Now I want to see the movie. I didn't know it was out. I love a good flick.
ReplyDeleteGreat List Sonia! Thanks for the 'heads up'...I like a lot of those movies and could watch them again, and again...
ReplyDeleteLOVE "Moonstruck"...sweet and funny and touching, too..."Passage To India"...Beautiful film...!
Since you've named some of my all-time favourites (Passage to India, Witness, Moonstruck, The Straight Story, Priscilla) we must be on the same wavelength, so I'll definitely rent the others you list - none of which I know. Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDeleteSonia, I haven't seen any of these movies but they all sound good. I'll have to check some of them out for sure! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI was just telling my sister about "The Straight Story." I love that movie. Also, Moonstruck, Witness, and Priscilla. I have not seen all on your list, but we definitely seem to like the same touching stories. When you listed The Whales of August, it made me think of a film called The Secret of Roan Innish. An interesting magical film. I haven't thought of it in years.
ReplyDeleteI loved A Passage to India and also the Witness. Some great movies here.
ReplyDeleteSonia, you certainly have the most eclectic, interesting taste in movies. And reading this makes me feel like I've seen them all. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood list of movies, Sonia! Your selection is as all over the place as I get. I have seen most of the movies on your list, however, not all of them. We are snowed in today--sure would like to watch one of your suggested movies. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Straight Story is a little gem! Glad you like it too, Sonia.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you on Witness and Priscilla and I liked Dear Diary and Moonstruck as well. Some of the others I don't know (eg Whales of August).
A pleasure to compare notes with you, and thank you for the time and effort you must have put into this post.
Hello, Sonia. Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog. If you haven't seen The Secret of Roan Innish (recommended by Rexroth's Daughter, above) do rent it. As she says, it's truly magical.
ReplyDeleteLove your images from A Passage to India.
ReplyDeleteI too liked Witness.
Have a good day!
Love your images from A Passage to India.
ReplyDeleteI too liked Witness.
Have a good day!
Also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE "Once Around" (well, I love Richard.... and I love "Witness", too....I guess I just love MOVIES!!! (lol) Yeah!
ReplyDeleteThanks soooo very much for your dear dear comment, Sonia....I appreciare it more than I can express.....you fill my heart, my dear Sonia....
Sonia,
ReplyDeleteI MUST see Passage to India now! I love reading about that theme too. The links you've provided will keep me going for ages.
And good to see an Australian film in there (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). I've seen it a couple of times and it is so entertaining.
Great movies, I want to re see passage to Inda=ia, and I've always wanted to see the straight story. We just signed up for Netflix, so i'll have to put them on my list.
ReplyDeleteI have only seen Witness and Moonstruck from your group. I may have to check them out!
ReplyDeleteA few movies I hadn't even heard of let alone seen. Mind you they're probably a little too "chick-flickish" for moi but my wife's helping me appreciate this artform.
ReplyDeleteGreat presentation rather than just answering with a list.
Good suggestions, Sonia. I will take your list with me when I go to the rental store.
ReplyDeleteThe only good movie would be one with you in it!
ReplyDeleteMr. Morris
Ask Morris
thanks for sharing sonia. i know all the movies has been in the market long time ago however i've never watch any of those! but since you recommend it, i might buy any of those if i come accross one :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting list Sonia. You've presented it in such an iteresting way. Thanks. Witness seems to be universally liked. It's a great movie. Harrison Ford is a very talented actor. Loved the Whales of August and Moonstruck. Will have to check out the others, especially Passage to India.
ReplyDeleteSonia, desses filmes da sua lista só assisti The Sheltering Sky. Cinema é uma paixão nova e não conheço praticamente nada... Minha lista de diretores é aquela nao por bom gosto, é que comecei essa paixão assistindo aquilo que muitos recomendam... rs!
ReplyDeleteAbraço.